Parents as Partners Episode # 17 Dec 15, 2008 featured Madison Park Middle School with Principal Richard Ramos, Assistant Principal Priscilla Gossett, Classroom Teacher Pam Duty and Parent Angila Gallenstein describing all the great things that they are doing to promote parent engagement in their school.

Without writing a text book , it is impossible to capture all the good things that are happening at Madison Park Middle School in Phoenix Arizona. But here are a few highlights of the discussion in this show.

Neighborhood Walk - At the start of the school year, during teacher orientation week, teachers walk the neighborhood to remind the families about the first day of school. This was first face to face connection with the parent community. This activity serves a many purposes. It helps maintain good attendance on that first day and the teachers have the opportunity to see the neighborhood in which we serve. They leave pertinent school information including a door hanger, phone numbers & school hours of operation.

Imagine doing that in 112 degrees F!!!!!!

They invite parents to an annual assembly to discuss our testing data. Parents come because the home room teacher calls them personally and invites them to come.

Cultural Celebrations - The community is invited to celebrate the various Park cultures. Our students are invited to perform in each event. On November 13th, they hosted the first celebration of the year. Their very own students performed in the group Baile Tenochtitlan. The fourth grade music students sang. Finally, they had a Hopi group perform traditional dance music. Food and drinks were available. It was an activity for the whole family.

Imagine a school population of 700 students and 900 people attended. Standing room only.

A special thanks to Kim Thomas, District Tech Integration Specialist, Kathy Lloyd, Park Computer Tech Assistant for their assistance in making the skype call a success. Lots of people at "Park" go the extra mile to support students.

Now if you want to find out how they reduced the number of tardy students by 50%, please listen to the recorded show.

Read the Chat Log
20:39:22 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: Hello everyone
20:39:30 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: we will b on in another 20
20:39:48 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: hello
20:45:21 Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: hi all.
20:50:00 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: Hi everyone, great to see you here!
20:57:03 kcaise -> -EdTechTalk: hi everyone
20:57:30 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Kim-so glad to have you here
20:57:42 kcaise -> -EdTechTalk: thank you very much
20:57:50 kcaise -> -EdTechTalk: glad to be here
20:58:15 Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: pam's a bit too loud
20:59:20 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: thanks Scott-we're working on it :-)
21:00:58 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: hey y'all
21:01:24 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: welcome to Parents as Partners...we're going to get going in 60 secs
21:01:46 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: We're streaming now :-) Yahoo!
21:04:14 Scott Shelhart -> -EdTechTalk: a
21:04:53 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: http://ourschool.ca[12]
21:05:04 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: that's such great news about Parents as Partners being nominated for the best audio award--vote for them!
21:05:39 kcaise -> -EdTechTalk: congrats!
21:05:53 kcaise -> -EdTechTalk: i did!
21:06:31 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: me too!! I voted!
21:07:47 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: thank you kcaise!!!
21:08:25 kcaise -> -EdTechTalk: you are very welcome!
21:09:04 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: hi jeannine! great link you sent today from Educon
21:09:29 jeannine -> -EdTechTalk: Hi Cindy - yes, wish I could get to such a great conference
21:09:37 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: oh blush--didn't know she was going to say all those wonderful things!
21:09:52 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: @jeannine - last year it was ustreamed. it was the first conference I ever participated in remotely
21:10:30 kcaise -> -EdTechTalk: absolutely!!
21:10:33 jeannine -> -EdTechTalk: @cindy - great, I'll be looking out for links, etc.
21:11:42 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: yes, I second all that Lorna said...she is a wonderful supporter of Parents as Partners and all things edtechtalk!!
21:11:51 jeannine -> -EdTechTalk: Thanks from the chat room too!
21:13:33 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: If you havne't already, join the parents as partners group on Facebook over at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=1313674654[13]1
21:13:42 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: Theme: stand proud with us--what a great image to project for their school!
21:14:35 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: and if you are doing any parent ed activities where you are sharing information on social networks as powerful learning spaces, have them join that facebook group...
21:14:49 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: neighborhood walk-all of the teachers walk the neighborhood right before school starts each year. It's an amazing undertaking!
21:15:57 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: what a fabulous idea. face to face communication to start the relationship
21:16:45 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: Teaching with Love and Logic
21:16:47 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: teaching with love and logic
21:17:31 kcaise -> -EdTechTalk: yes i have
21:17:58 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: chat room bonking out
21:18:14 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: Teaching with Love and Logic: http://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Love-Logic-Control-Classroom/dp/0944634486[14]
21:18:41 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: Hey James...welcome to Parents as Partners
21:18:49 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: it's a school-wide philosophy for management the builds on positive communication
21:18:56 James Sigler -> -EdTechTalk: Thanks, hello everyone
21:19:34 kcaise -> -EdTechTalk: a common systemic approach to discipline and dealing with students
21:19:42 JazzyJsMom -> -EdTechTalk: We could use more love and logic. RCBoEd Augusta, GA needs needs 2 High and 2 Elem school principals apply by 12/19 AND 1 Deputy Superintendent of Schools Application Deadline apply by 1/9/09 http://www.rcboe.org[15] No online app system
21:19:46 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: I love the neighbhrohood walk in the summer...even with the 112 degree temps, which is CRAZY!! What a great way to reach out, connect, and start things off on the right foot...it is really important to make sure your first connection with parents is a positive one...
21:20:30 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: @Jazzy...wow, that is a tough situation to be in mid-stream...good luck finding good folks...
21:21:33 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: They have a nice short video that explains Love and Logic and Matt will be dropping the link here for you
21:21:46 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: Love and Logic Channel 99 video: http://phoenix.gov/know99/99vidlovelogic.html[16]
21:21:48 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: hello penny and volunteer...welcome to parents as partners!
21:21:54 JazzyJsMom -> -EdTechTalk: LOL thanks Matt...16 months with new Superintendent inherited a VERY old school school system people are retiring and resigning
21:22:19 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: WJazzyJsMom-what a challenge! good luck!
21:22:26 JazzyJsMom -> -EdTechTalk: Are their newsletters online?
21:22:54 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: great key phrases from Amazon book link (Teaching with lobve and logic): consequences with empathy, enforceable statement, calm interest
21:23:04 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: one of their newsletters is posted on their school site and others will be posted soon.
21:23:37 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: @jazzy well, change is good...and sometimes it is helpful just to rip it all down and start again...best of luck!
21:23:46 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: hi penny
21:24:00 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: we are doing a grassroots program in our board
21:24:07 penny -> -EdTechTalk: hey -- glad 2 b here
21:24:18 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: I like "I notice statements" I probably say, "I like " too much...and I probably end up embarrasing the kids...great take away for me
21:24:30 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: we visit each and every school in our board and meet with the Principal, vice principal and school council chair
21:24:57 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: we are creating an overview of every school in our board in relation to parent engagement and community involvement
21:25:04 sroseman -> -EdTechTalk: I will file away the "I notice" statement.
21:25:38 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: the results have been outstanding and the information useful in every forum
21:25:48 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: All of the links we'll be talking about tonight will also be posted on the PaP blog so you can view them later. http://www.ourschool.ca[17]
21:25:49 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: @connie very interesting. what form does the overview take? are there criteria? or a defining statement that you check against?
21:25:58 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: great teaching tool for the administrators as well as the parents
21:26:01 JazzyJsMom -> -EdTechTalk: Saw where a group of teachers rotate "Greeting" duties to make eye contact and shake hands with every student entering the building
21:26:35 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: @ jazzy what a wonderful concept
21:26:38 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: you can see some of these kids tell about their nicknames on the video I mentioned-really neat
21:26:51 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: always lead by the administration they set the tone in the building
21:27:23 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: @connie-that is sooo true!
21:27:51 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: @connie - absolutely agree about the role of administration in the building
21:28:01 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: @cindy, the meeting date and time is set with the group to be meeting, we have informal dialogue set out based on the Epstein model, this is a parent driven initiative supported by the Director of our board
21:28:19 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: @Jazzy...a teacher in New York who is also a webcaster at edtechtalk.com has a "Greeter" role at his school...the teachers take a week or 2 throughout the year where they greet students on their way in each day...
21:28:37 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: @connie - yes very familiar with Epstein, using it in my work with parent portals and engagement
21:29:40 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: @ cindy, so we base the questions on the Eptstien model and plot the answers in the appropriate blocks, we do this for each and every school the overview for our board is then created
21:30:12 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: this is then shared with our Director and our parentsm, the information is then used as a sharing model with administration adn parents
21:30:36 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: @connie - sounds like an awesome way to share in conversation
21:30:36 JazzyJsMom -> -EdTechTalk: We did it as parents during the first Saturday of every month when the students from around the county came in to take the SATs. We passed out gum and mints, made hot water for hot cocoa and instant coffee (for free) but had them check for IDs and SAT ticket/receipt
21:31:25 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: 50% reduction in tardies!
21:31:42 kcaise -> -EdTechTalk: 50% reduction is a huge accomplishment
21:32:15 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: that teaming of the parents and the school is incredible! what a difference it makes!
21:32:26 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: I want to know ways and means of engaging parents outside of the box
21:32:28 Liz K -> -EdTechTalk: Wow!
21:32:37 kcaise -> -EdTechTalk: that is awesome
21:32:44 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: Seems like this would only be possible through the partnership between home and school
21:32:51 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: u r right, Lorna...this should b in the news...that is a GREAT newstory!
21:33:00 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: outside of fundraising, getting them off to school feeding them nutrtional meals
21:33:24 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: we have involvement in safe schools and school improvement plans
21:33:30 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: what else is out there?
21:33:35 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: I wonder about homework...I wonder about it alot...
21:33:39 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: @connie - that is our goal here as well. Believe it starts with knowing and believing that every parent is important
21:33:42 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: love that math exacmple! what a success story!
21:33:48 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: that every parent needs to be met on their own terms
21:33:51 JazzyJsMom -> -EdTechTalk: our school is going to have a "No Tardy Party" out of 1200 students only 60 students meet the "No Tardies" since school started in August
21:34:00 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: really is powerful because they are actually collecting DATA to show results
21:34:10 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: a good deal of homework seems to be traditiional busy work...the same type of assignments I had when I was a kid...
21:34:49 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: again it starts with Administratin if they are not trained to engage parents they will shut us down at every turn
21:35:02 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: Yes!!
21:35:16 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: @connie yes - Lorna works with administrators in developing that expertise
21:35:55 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: sadly there are many classrooms and schools that are not welcoming to parents--my grandson has a situation like that and his parents feel really badly about that
21:35:55 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: the research continues to point to the importance of the administration in establishing a culture of acceptance
21:36:00 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: I have tried to have conversation with Lorna, unfortunately sometime my time is extremely limited
21:36:48 penny -> -EdTechTalk: @cindy -- admin is very key I think all the way from superintendent to principa
21:37:19 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: yes tell us how you share info with parents :-)
21:37:31 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: yes - superintendents/directors need to state expectations of principals wrt parent involvement
21:37:56 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: rally of parents every February where they share testing data! amazing!
21:37:59 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: No more old boys club
21:38:09 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: was arnew duncan selected as Obama's Ed Secretary??
21:38:20 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: We should get him on Parents as Partners...
21:38:55 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: Haven't heard if that is confirmed-Ed Secretary.
21:39:13 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: Arne Duncan on YouTube talking about Parental involvement in Chicago Publich Schoolshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqnZyTjbKJw[18]
21:39:36 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: Do parents need to set foot in the brick and mortar to "Be involved"...
21:40:02 James Sigler -> -EdTechTalk: Haven't good things about Duncan. Bigtime test promoter. More of the same.
21:40:05 penny -> -EdTechTalk: @matt I'm better outside the brick and mortar -- thus my direction..
21:40:11 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqnZyTjbKJw[18] Arne Duncan talking about parental involvement in
21:40:16 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: great question Matt- definitely not but there are many things parents can gain by coming to the school if they aren't intimidated
21:40:44 JazzyJsMom -> -EdTechTalk: @Matt not necessarily...some of our parents are in the military and deployed to Iraq or Afghanistand so with email and video chats we can stay connected
21:40:48 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: if they feel valued and welcome they are more like to come to school events
21:41:11 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: @James...yeah, that is what I hear about him...pretty pathetic...I'm not encouraged by Obama's educaiton agenda AT ALL
21:41:18 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: teachers call parents personally (from their home room) to invite them to the rally - that personal engagement that works!
21:41:42 penny -> -EdTechTalk: the rally sounds great -- maybe an alternative to parent teacher interviews
21:42:08 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: building relationships is such a critical point--goes far beyond data :-)
21:42:36 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: @Jazzy...interesting anectdote...my point is that parents can be really, really involved without going to the school very much
21:43:07 JazzyJsMom -> -EdTechTalk: @Matt...as a vet I had to leave mine to deploy to war
21:43:10 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: their Cultural Celebrations are amazing events!
21:43:19 penny -> -EdTechTalk: @matt -- there are two different things talked about sometimes -- involved with the school or involved with the student
21:43:32 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: I wonder if we'll ever move away the high stakes testing culture toward a passion based learning culture...
21:43:55 James Sigler -> -EdTechTalk: @Matt Agree...pathetic..basketball buddy w/ Obama, so got the job. Is DoE a crony job instead of a real education job lead by real educators?
21:44:12 penny -> -EdTechTalk: 2 b involved with your student(child) you don't have to set foot in the brick and mortar school
21:44:49 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: http://parent20.tech4learning.ca[19] this is my website about parent portals - looking for conversation!
21:44:53 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: I agree you don't have to set foot in the building to be involved
21:45:06 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: that being said that is truly the relationship
21:45:31 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: Debbie Pushor is arguing for a truer partnership of Parent Engagement
21:46:02 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: @penny...excellent way to think about it...that really provides clarity...
21:46:02 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: @penny...excellent way to think about it...reallly provides clarity for me...thanks for sharing your perspective
21:46:02 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: testing
21:46:02 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: testing
21:46:31 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: probs with chat room
21:46:38 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: weired
21:46:42 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: what's wrong matt?
21:47:08 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: penny...thanks for that great point about the difference between being involved with the school and involved with your child...that provides me with great clarity
21:47:21 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: parents will always come to school activities when their kids are performing and there's food--winning combination!
21:47:32 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: @cindy...this chat tool is quity "heavy" never seems to work all that well for me...
21:47:47 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: @connie - I really like Dr. Pushor's work - I'm at same university
21:47:59 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: also prefer "engagement" to "involvement"
21:48:09 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: can you imagine having standing room only at a school event where you're not sure there will be enough space for everyone? :-)
21:48:11 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: @james...yes, you're right on...hoops buddy...I wouldn'e liked to see a real educator in that role...just more of the same
21:48:18 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: the Provincial Parent Board discusses the Pushor model most often
21:52:18 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: I have lost connection to the call
21:52:28 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: Cindy is now taking over the show for me
21:52:54 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: I can hear the call but not speak
21:52:55 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: so sorry Lorna! can Matt bring you back in?
21:53:00 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: no
21:53:11 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: I don't want to make the call stop
21:53:21 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: I am keeping the stream going
21:53:24 matt montagne -> -EdTechTalk: lorna is actually in the call, but just can't get oaudio in...
21:53:25 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: Oh I understand! thanks
21:53:31 cindy seibel -> -EdTechTalk: ok I'll do the close out and announce the next
21:54:36 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: There has been an great conversation going on in the chat room tonight
21:54:57 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: you can get all of the links mentioned in the show on the Parents as Partners blog after the show--http://www.ourschool.ca[17]
21:55:21 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: There is never enough time to talk about all the good things
21:55:49 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: @Lorna-that is so true--just get us started talking and we can't stop!
21:56:16 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: Madison park is so lucky
21:56:29 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: Couldn't do it without the right Administrator
21:56:34 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: it all starts there
21:57:14 penny -> -EdTechTalk: @connie it does come back to admin -- but sometimes I think the community needs to ask as well -- you never know what you might get if you ask
21:57:54 penny -> -EdTechTalk: sometimes admin doesn't know where to start or what people may want .. may just need to plant a seed and it will take off
21:57:55 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: but still some...... Administrators will shut you out no matter what you are asking for
21:58:18 penny -> -EdTechTalk: @connie -- very true -- have experienced that a lot -- then you find the work around
21:58:36 JazzyJsMom -> -EdTechTalk: or they ignore you until you stick like a burr to their arse
21:58:40 penny -> -EdTechTalk: then start with the students and teachers and work it backwards
21:58:55 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: without knowledgeable parents asking for the right things it stays status quo
21:59:14 penny -> -EdTechTalk: for me supporting a couple of teachers has worked to start making changes
21:59:46 penny -> -EdTechTalk: it can trickle up as well as trickle down
21:59:49 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: excellent start, but, the point is always to work for the benefit of all students
22:00:20 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: Richard's point about celebrating the achievements of others is so important! Focus on those involved! It will spread!
22:00:33 penny -> -EdTechTalk: family grinch viewing awaits -- great show everyone
22:00:44 penny -> -EdTechTalk: bye
22:01:14 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: nite penny
22:01:19 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: awesome administrator Richard
22:01:33 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: thanks for all you do for Parents and Students
22:02:02 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: what a wonderful opportunity for all of us! hard to believe we had 8 people on the Skype call and it worked! Yeah!
22:02:08 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: if some one wants to contact richard
22:02:11 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: how do they do it?
22:02:31 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: Thanks everyone for a great show
22:02:43 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: Merry Christmas everyone
22:02:45 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: Thanks for joining us!
22:02:46 kcaise -> -EdTechTalk: imagine how the kids feel attending a school that is in sync like this school
22:03:02 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: Merry Christmas Lorna
22:03:19 PeggyG -> -EdTechTalk: Night all!
22:03:25 connie howe-buckler -> -EdTechTalk: perhaps we can chat over the holidays, things shouldn't be quite so busy for me then
22:03:33 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: thanks Cindy MAtt Peggy Richard
22:03:37 JazzyJsMom -> -EdTechTalk: Thanks for the great chat
22:03:52 jeannine -> -EdTechTalk: Great show (again!), definitely one to listen to again.
22:03:53 Lorna -> -EdTechTalk: Priscilla Pam Angilna
22:04:20 JazzyJsMom -> -EdTechTalk: Wish everyone safe and happy holidays regardless of what you are celebrating
22:04:21 kcaise -> -EdTechTalk: thank you for sharing with us
22:04:31 kcaise -> -EdTechTalk: take care everyone
22:06:27 kcaise -> -EdTechTalk: good night everyone